By The Numbers: A Tulsa Winter Weather Debrief

Felix Dubois

4 min read

Post on May 03, 2025

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Total Snowfall and Accumulation

Snowfall Totals by Month

Tulsa's 2024 winter snowfall was characterized by periods of intense accumulation interspersed with surprisingly dry spells. The following table details the snowfall for each month of the winter season (November 2023 - March 2024):

It's important to note that snowfall varied across Tulsa. North Tulsa, due to its elevation, typically receives slightly more snowfall than south Tulsa. This trend was consistent throughout the winter of 2024.

Significant Snow Events

Several noteworthy snow events impacted Tulsa during the winter of 2024.

• December 15th, 2023: A significant snowfall event dropped 3.8 inches of snow on Tulsa, leading to numerous traffic accidents and delayed school openings. [Link to local news article about the December snowstorm].
• January 28th, 2024: This winter storm brought 5.1 inches of snow, causing widespread school closures and power outages affecting several thousand homes. [Link to weather report detailing January storm].

These events highlighted the challenges Tulsa faces with significant snowfall, particularly regarding road conditions and utility service disruptions.

Comparison to Previous Years

Compared to the average Tulsa winter snowfall of 7 inches over the past 10 years, the 2024 winter was slightly above average. However, individual storms were less intense than some experienced in previous years. [Insert chart comparing snowfall totals for the past 10 years]. This variation emphasizes the unpredictability of Tulsa winter weather from year to year.

Temperature Extremes and Fluctuations

High and Low Temperatures

The winter of 2024 saw a high temperature of 68°F recorded on February 18th and a low temperature of 7°F recorded on January 21st. This range reflects the significant temperature fluctuations characteristic of Tulsa winters.

Number of Freezing Days

There were a total of 35 days where the temperature dropped below freezing (32°F) during the winter of 2024. This is slightly below the 10-year average of 42 freezing days.

Temperature Departure from Average

[Insert graph displaying temperature variations throughout the 2024 winter season compared to the historical average]. While overall average temperatures were close to the historical average, the winter saw several periods of extreme temperature swings, transitioning from unseasonably warm days to sharp cold snaps within short periods. These rapid fluctuations posed challenges for both residents and city infrastructure.

Impact on the City

Economic Impact

The significant snow events in December and January resulted in temporary business closures and increased demand for snow removal services, resulting in a modest economic impact. The precise economic effects are difficult to quantify without extensive business surveys.

Public Safety

The Tulsa Police and Fire Departments responded to numerous accidents and incidents related to icy road conditions during the winter of 2024. While the number of severe incidents remained manageable, this underscores the importance of caution and preparedness during winter storms.

Infrastructure Impacts

The city's infrastructure faced challenges, primarily related to road maintenance and power grid stability. Several major roadways experienced temporary closures due to ice and snow. The power outages during the January storm resulted in widespread disruption and highlighted the need for continued infrastructure improvements to withstand extreme weather events.

Conclusion

The 2024 Tulsa winter weather brought a combination of moderate snowfall, significant temperature swings, and related impacts to the city's infrastructure and daily life. While overall snowfall was slightly above average, the intensity and duration of individual storms varied. Understanding these patterns is crucial for effective winter preparedness.

Stay informed about future Tulsa winter weather forecasts and prepare accordingly. Check out [link to local weather source] for updated information and tips on preparing for Tulsa winter weather. Learn how to protect your home and family from the effects of future Tulsa winter weather events. Being prepared is the best defense against the unpredictable nature of Tulsa winter weather.